How to Handle Anger

Each of us feel angry on occasion. The next time you feel that anger swelling up inside, take a step back and use some simple tools to make your anger work for you. Anger is a sign that you need to take action on your behalf. You can use the emotion to develop better relationships.

Instructions

• 1

  Take a break from the situation. When you are angry, the first step will be to regain control of your emotions. Give yourself some time to clarify your thoughts.

• 2

  When you are thinking clearly, take a moment to analyze the situation. What was it that made you angry? Sometimes, anger is a mask emotion for deeper emotions such as fear, disappointment, frustration, etc. Give yourself some time to consider what it is that is provoking your anger.

• 3

  Once you have identified the situation that is fueling your emotion, ask yourself what you can do to change it. It is important that you do not focus on other people in this step. Other people can not make you angry. Ask yourself what you can do to make changes in your own life to prevent the situation that is upsetting. This is a tough step. Often people would rather stay stuck in a situation they feel angry about than venture out and make changes.

• 4

  Put the changes into action. If you put changes into action to reduce anger in your life, you will find yourself growing as a person. Often relationships become stronger as we learn to listen to our anger and use it as a signal to implement positive changes.